Pokémon GO is a popular location-based augmented reality game developed by Niantic that has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide. One of the most engaging aspects of the game is how it incorporates real-world weather conditions to influence in-game events. In this guide, we will explore how you can use the weather to your advantage in Pokémon GO to catch more Pokémon, boost their stats, and improve your overall gameplay experience.
- Understanding Weather Effects
Pokémon GO features seven different weather conditions: clear, partly cloudy, cloudy, rainy, foggy, snowy, and windy. Each weather condition affects the spawn rate of certain types of Pokémon, as well as their effectiveness in battles. For example, during rainy weather, Water-type Pokémon will spawn more frequently, and their moves will be more powerful in battles. To check the in-game weather, simply look at the icon displayed in the top-right corner of the main screen.
- Increased Spawn Rates
One of the most significant advantages of weather in Pokémon GO is the increased spawn rate of certain types of Pokémon. Each weather condition boosts the spawn rate of specific Pokémon types, as listed below:
- Clear: Grass, Ground, and Fire
- Partly Cloudy: Normal and Rock
- Cloudy: Fairy, Fighting, and Poison
- Rainy: Water, Electric, and Bug
- Foggy: Dark and Ghost
- Snowy: Ice and Steel
- Windy: Dragon, Flying, and Psychic
By planning your gameplay sessions around the local weather, you can increase your chances of catching Pokémon you might not typically encounter. This is particularly helpful if you’re looking to complete your Pokédex or gather more candies for a specific Pokémon type.
- Weather-Boosted Pokémon
When the weather matches a Pokémon’s type, that Pokémon will receive a “weather boost,” which makes it more potent in battles and increases its potential stats. Weather-boosted Pokémon have a glowing aura around them and award extra stardust when caught. In addition, they will be at a higher level, up to level 35, and have better individual values (IVs) for their stats.
Catching weather-boosted Pokémon is a great way to build a stronger team without spending as much stardust and candy on powering up your Pokémon. Be on the lookout for weather-boosted spawns, especially during community days and special events.
- Enhanced Move Power
Weather conditions also affect move power in battles. When the weather matches a move’s type, its power increases by 20%. This boost can be a game-changer in gym battles, raids, and PvP battles, so it’s essential to take advantage of it.
For example, during rainy weather, Water-type moves will be 20% stronger. If you’re participating in a raid against a Fire-type Pokémon, your Water-type attackers will deal even more damage than usual, increasing your chances of victory.
- Weather-Exclusive Pokémon
Certain Pokémon only spawn during specific weather conditions, making it essential to play during various weather types to complete your Pokédex. For example, Castform has four different forms (Normal, Sunny, Rainy, and Snowy), which only appear during their corresponding weather conditions.
- Weather-Boosted Raid Bosses
Raid bosses can also receive a weather boost, increasing their combat power (CP) and making them tougher to defeat. However, a weather-boosted raid boss also provides a greater challenge and higher rewards. When you defeat a weather-boosted raid boss, it will have higher IVs and a higher level when caught, allowing you to add a stronger Pokémon to your team.
Weather plays a crucial role in Pokémon GO, offering numerous benefits to players who learn how to use it to their advantage. By understanding the effects of weather on spawn rates, move power, and the potential stats of Pokémon, you can make more informed decisions about when and where to play. Keep an eye on your local weather forecast and use this information to plan your Pokémon GO adventures.